If you’re aiming to increase your influence, developing a positive, optimistic attitude can be a very effective strategy. Positivity and optimism aren’t just personal traits, they’re magnetic qualities that others are attracted to!
If you are optimistic you are a much nicer person to be around, compared to someone who is always negative about every little thing. Optimism shows that you’re capable of seeing a brighter future, and your positivity assures them that you’re willing to work towards it too.
Optimism and positivity aren’t just internal mindsets either. They influence the entire atmosphere around you. You can even feel it. When you approach situations with optimism, you lift the mood of others, and they feel there is some control, so they become optimistic too. It’s absolutely contagious!
This means that when you adopt these mindsets, you set a tone that others want to follow. This contagious effect is known as ‘emotional contagion’ and it simply refers to how emotions spread within groups. Therefore, positive emotional contagion is a wonderful phenomenon!
When you’re in a positive state, others tend to mirror that feeling, and this spreads more optimism, and makes people more open to engaging and cooperating with you. In short, the way you approach situations can influence others without you even realizing it.
So if you’re looking to increase your influence, be more positive and optimistic to create emotional contagion! Here’s how adopting positivity and optimism can strengthen your influence.
Start Your Day with Positive Intentions
Each morning, take a moment to set a positive goal for the day. This small habit primes your mindset.
If you start thinking positively, you can’t help but act positively. During the day people will notice how positive you are and enjoy being in your company. Just like a magnet, you’ll attract them to you too.
Practice Listening with Empathy
To practice listening with empathy, focus entirely on the person speaking without interrupting, and whatever you do, don’t stand there looking like you can’t wait to have your say. Pay attention not just to their words but also to their tone, their body language and emotions.
Some emotions are easy to spot, like anger or heartache. However, sometimes they’re not so easy, so show you’re listening by maintaining eye contact and offering small verbal or non-verbal cues, like a nod where appropriate, or an, ‘I see’ for example.
In Challenging Situations Stay Calm
Your ability to stay calm when under pressure can have a huge impact on those around you. When people see you are being positive and can maintain optimism even during difficult moments, they’re more likely to look to you for guidance again and again.
Your calmness and thoughtful approach to finding solutions show them that they can rely on you. You become a source of inspiration and support, and someone they admire.
Use Positive Language – Verbal and Body
The words you choose really shape how others see you. When you use positive language, you create a warm and inviting atmosphere that shows you’re focused on good possibilities! Look at these two sentences and see what emotions you feel when you read them. ‘Let’s do this, and give it our best shot,’ or, ‘This won’t work, so why try.’
That’s why using positive language is so helpful in setting a respectful and encouraging tone, helping people feel more comfortable around you. When you speak constructively, you send a message of optimism that makes others more open to your influence.
And don’t forget about your body language! Your body language can either show that you are warm and approachable, or someone to stay away from. So smile and uncross those arms! Positive body language makes people feel safe, which deepens your connections with them and strengthens your influence.
Positivity is an incredible force that can truly boost your influence by inspiring and uplifting those around you. Are you ready to create uplifting emotional contagion? Get positive and get contagious!
Plus, if you are optimistic and positive, you’re not just boosting your influence with others, you’re also making a meaningful difference in their lives. You are making other people feel positive and optimistic too.
Like moths to a flame, people are naturally drawn to those who bring light into their lives. By being that light, you become someone they can look up to and trust, and in the process you’ll find yourself becoming a powerful influence in their lives.
